2023 Retro – THE AMENTA

"[It] sees THE AMENTA leaving us with just as many questions as they gave us answers. Which is an Art form in itself." (Heavy Mag)

In 2023, Australian Extreme Metal pioneers THE AMENTA concluded a remarkable project entitled "Plague Of Locus." The tenth installment of our retrospective series reflects on this unique collection of cover songs by artists who have significantly influenced the band over their artistic journey. Further episodes of our series can be found here: ANARKHON, BACCHUS, AARA, PESTIFER, ÓREIĐA, BLUT AUS NORD, I.C.E., PERILAXE OCCLUSION, and NIGHTBRINGER.

"They don't see me.
From the cracks in my thorax
rises a solemn, flensed angel." ('Plague Of Locus’)

Perfectly timed to coincide with last October's headline gigs in their Australian homeland, THE AMENTA unveiled "Plague Of Locus", their latest endeavor and successor to DMP debut "Revelator". Renowned for their unique blend of extreme music, THE AMENTA's newest offering escalates their exploratory journey into sonic chaos. The album includes renditions of songs from a diverse array of artists including ALICE IN CHAINS, KILLING JOKE, LORD KAOS, and HALO, providing listeners with an insight into the band's eclectic inspirations – in addition to offering two new original compositions.

Check the in-depth interview with Everblack Podcast here to learn more about this release!

Listen to the full release here:

Giving a visual form to one of the most haunting and enigmatic pieces from this distinctive compilation, THE AMENTA crafted a chilling video for their rendition of 'Sono L’Antichristo,’ originally by DIAMANADA GALAS. This version features the explosive drumming of David Haley from PSYCROPTIC.

Brimming with vigor and ambition, the band’s Timothy Pope is poised to unveil ambitious plans for 2024:

"2024, for THE AMENTA, is an interesting year. While our focus is on writing new material (which is inchoate but in progress) it was brought to our attention that this year is the twenty-year anniversary of our debut album, "Occasus". While our plans aren't set yet, we want to do something to commemorate this release. While working on that, we are working through our ideas for new things. So far, it is pointing towards a full-throated return to blast beats and ugly as fuck riffs."

Timothy also shared the most important new albums of 2023 for sparking inspiration:

01. BOLT GUN "The Tower"
02. MARDUK "Memento Mori"
03. BLUT AUS NORD "Disharmonium - Nahab"
04. LAWRENCE ENGLISH & LEA BERTUCCI "Cthonic"
05. PHILIP JECK & CHRIS WATSON "Oxmardyke"
06. PROTOMATYR "Formal Growth In The Desert"
07. DAVID TOOP & LAWRENCE ENGLISH "The Shell That Speaks The Sea"
08. KHANATE "To Be Cruel"
09. DHG "Black Medium Current"
10. LO! "The Gleaners"

"Plague Of Locus" is available via Direct Merch (vinyl) and Bandcamp (digital).